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Blog Updates

Waiting in Hawaii, 2 Hurricanes

8/18/2018

 
Due to concerns of potential damage to the plane from hurricane Hector and Lane at Hilo, I relocated "May" to the island of Maui. Thanks to the Van's Airforce community (Ed, Scott, Eric, and Brad) I was able to secure a hanger at Kahului Airport (PHOG). 

The winds aloft forecast for the Hawaii/California flight does not look favorable for the next three weeks. I decided to fly home commercially, rest and prepare for the final leg of the trip. When I return to Hawaii around August 21, I will complete work on the aircraft, fly back to Hilo, and wait for the right moment to fly the 2000+nm to California.  

August 21 - I learned that Hurricane Hector dumped nearly 52 inches (132 cm) of rain on Hilo.  To provide a perspective, It is about 52 inches from the ground to the spinner tip level, as shown in the photo below.  Hilo was still littered with debris from the recent flooding. It was the right decision to relocate the plane to Maui. ​
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Hilo, BIg Island, Hawaii.  After a harrowing flight through the ITCZ from Christmas Island, Air Services Hawaii welcomes me to Hilo with a lei and a Kona Longboard beer.  Thank you Tommy B! 
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Small plane. Huge upcoming ocean crossing.
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While waiting for the ideal weather window to California, I flew a volcano tour with "Blue Hawaiian" helicopters.  It felt great to let someone else be the captain. 
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Banyan Drive, known as the "Hilo Walk of Fame", is lined with trees planted by celebrities and adventurers, including  pilot  Amelia Earhart. 

​Historic photos of aviation in Hawaii.
Credit: Hawaii Aviation - Hawaii.gov, TripAdvisor
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Sunday afternoon entertainment.  
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Lava destroyed homes in the Vacationland, Hawaii area. I heard from local sources that none of these homes were insured and FEMA provided no post disaster assistance.  Many people are still living out of their cars, months after their homes were destroyed.
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Dramatic Hilo coastline.
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Crossing the windy strait between the Big Island and Maui.  I repositioned "May" to a hanger in Maui due to hurricane Lane and Hector approaching Hilo.

A summary of the 2018 Hawaii hurricane season

Brian Eisner
8/20/2018 04:00:10 am

Good luck John. Let us know when you are leaving.

Pilotjohns
8/21/2018 07:10:28 pm

Have been following your trip closely. Looks like the weather Goods are cooperating this Hurrican season. Good luck.

Pilotjohns
8/21/2018 07:17:41 pm

Oops, didnt see Hurrican Lane. Good luck.

Steve Melton
8/31/2018 01:13:17 am

It has to be dark out there. About 2 hrs to go. You have better speed than when you started this leg. Bring it home!

Brian Eisner
8/31/2018 04:36:29 am

Congratulations John on your long flight from Hawaii.
You now join the elite club of people who've flown around the world. When you get time please update your blog from Pakistan back to California.

Thanks and again congratulations

Tom Hammitt
8/31/2018 05:09:36 am

Congratulations, John, and welcome home from your fantastic journey. Tracking your progress was amazing, thank you for sharing your flight with the world!

Pat Clar
9/1/2018 09:25:10 am

WOW! What an adventure...CONGRATS!!!

Ted Pugh
9/6/2018 08:11:06 am

John, my hearty congrats for accomplishing your solo mission of self-reliance, willpower, skill and trust in one’s instincts. Many of us pilots and non-pilots alike dream of undertaking such as adventure.

Thank you for the inspiration! Thanks as well to Ken McKenzie for his notice to our EAA chapter of your flight.

When you’re ready to shake hands in celebration and sharing your experience, I’d sure like my hand to be one of them.






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